“A thousand years a poor man watched
Before the gate of Paradise:
But while one little nap he snatched,
It oped and shut. Ah! was he wise?”

— William R. Alger

"Swift Opportunity", p. 281.
Poetry of the Orient, 1893 edition

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William R. Alger 17

American clergyman and poet 1822–1905

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Original: (Ma) bene a forza il caro e dolce riso
Scoprir il Paradiso
E far lieta fortuna d’atra e dura.

“A thousand years a poor man watchedBefore the gate of Paradise:But while one little nap he snatched,It oped and shut. Ah! was he wise?”

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William R. Alger 17

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“A thousand years a poor man watched
Before the gate of Paradise:
But while one little nap he snatched,
It oped and shut. Ah! was he wise?”